Local merchants aim to sweeten holiday shopping

November 22, 2006

By Tonya Fennell: CNJ staff writer

Curry County retailers are enticing shoppers with discounts and extended hours.
“Shop Clovis,” a five-week promotion sponsored by the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, will stretch through Dec. 17.

According to chamber representative Jenni Gee, the event was initiated to encourage residents to “stay in Clovis to shop” for the Christmas season.

“We have excellent stores in Clovis,” Gee said.

Clovis resident Victoria Mills said she doesn’t need to be reminded of the treasures hidden within the Clovis shops. With a long list of names clutched in her gloved hand, Mills embarked on a shopping trip Tuesday morning. The 27-year-old military wife’s goal was to find Christmas presents for 14 people on her list — including grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

“I have a large extended family,” she said, “and I am going to find everyone something wonderful.”

The petite brunette said she has always frequented the “hometown stores” because she believes in keeping her “money close to home.”

“I don’t feel like driving an hour and a half to Texas to shop in a crowded mall,” Mills said, “when I can find exactly what I need in Clovis.

Funky jewelry, slippers and collectibles are just a few of the items for which Mills was searching, she said.

“My mom collects angels and my sister loves beaded necklaces,” Mills said as she entered a shop on Main Street, “and I can find it all right here.”

As an extra incentive to shoppers, merchants have entry forms for a Chamber of Commerce raffle.

“Residents don’t have to purchase anything or be present to win,” Gee said. “We (Chamber of Commerce) will contact winners via telephone or e-mail.”

Darla Rhodes, co-owner of Joe’s Boot Shop, said her store has seen great results from the “Shop Clovis” event. “We have been very busy,” she said. “People are buying all kinds of boots.”

“This (Shop Clovis) is an all-around great holiday community event for Curry County,” Gee said.